2012/06/27/(Wed)

ICTSI receives new equipment for Manila flagship [Seaport]

International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) recently accepted deliveries of two new post-Panamax quay cranes (QC) and eight rubber tired gantries (RTG) for the new berth, Berth 6, of its flagship Manila International Container Terminal (MICT) in the Philippines.

The new container handling equipment is part of Berth 6’s US$ 200 million investment by ICTSI to further improveand services at the MICT. “ICTSI remains committed not only to our contractual obligations with the Philippine government but also to our clients’ need for timely and efficient service and for an expanded terminal capacity to faciliate improving volumes at the MICT,” says Christian Gonzalez, ICTSI vice president and MICT general manager.

The new QCs, manufactured by Chinese industrial and heavy equipment maker ZPMC, put MICT’s QC fleet to 12 units. Each QC has a 65-ton full twin-lift capacity capable of lifting containers on 18-container wide vessels. The twin-lift spreaders are manufactured by Stinis of Netherlands. A third QC is on order, and is expected delivery early next year. The RTGs, on the other hand, are manufactured by Cargotec of Finland.

“The Berth 6 equipment will significantly boost operations and enhance terminal capacity. The QCs and RTGs we bought are among the top of the line in their class, and employ the latest and leading edge in port technology,” Gonzalez adds.

In 2008, ICTSI started construction of Berth 6 as part of ICTSI’s contractual obligation to the Philippine Ports Authority and in response to continuing growth of volume at the MICT. The new berth has a 300-meter straight wharf with a controlling depth of 12 meters. The berth could be further extended by 300 meters, and further dredged to 14.5 meters when needed. The berth is capable of servicing two vessels at one time or one new generation vessel with capacities more than double of what calls Manila in today. Its phase-one 12-hectare container yard has over 8,000 slots for containers.

International Container Terminal Services, Inc. is a leading port management company involved in the operations and development of 23 marine terminals and port projects in 17 countries worldwide. ICTSI was among the first international terminal operators to take its expertise overseas.